Pet Surgery

Alpine Animal Hospital offers soft tissue surgery, abdominal surgeries, and elective sterilization procedures (spay and neuter). Our knowledgeable, caring staff want to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

Pre-Surgical Consultation

In advance of the procedure, we will help you schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. At this consultation, we will perform any pre-operative testing needed, review what to expect for your pet, and what alternative options may be available in lieu of surgery.

Spay and Neuter Surgery

Spay and neuter procedures have several benefits including:

Eliminating unwanted litters

Reducing behavioral problems

Reducing risk of breast cancer in females

Reducing risk of ovary and testicular cancers

Prevention of “heat” or estrus cycle

Prevention of uterine infection known as pyometra

Reducing the risk of prostate disease and other hormonal disorders.

The appropriate age for spay or neuter varies with breed. Recommended timing may depend on factors such as expected age of skeletal maturity, the presence of developmental problems such as recessed vulva in females, and behavioral concerns. Spay and neuter procedures typically involve general anesthesia and a hospital stay for your pet, followed by a period of activity restriction at home during the healing phase.

Soft-Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgeries (non-abdominal procedures) offered at Alpine Animal Hospital include removal of skin growths and soft tissue tumors. There are multiple types of skin growths in dogs, some of which are benign, whereas some are malignant.

Pre-operative testing of skin and subcutaneous growths with needle biopsy is recommended prior to surgical planning. This is because some types of tumors dictate wider margins of resection than others.

We also recommend submitting any removed tissues for biopsy reporting. Biopsy provides a complete picture of tumor type and behavior and allows us to determine if the surgical margins are clear of cancer cells.

Abdominal Surgery

Abdominal procedures offered at Alpine Animal Hospital include:

Gastric and intestinal surgery for foreign object obstructions and biopsy

Gastropexy (stomach tacking for prevention and treatment of gastric dilation/volvulus)

Splenectomy (spleen removal)

Cystotomy (bladder surgery)

Following these surgeries, your pet may need a slightly more extended stay in our hospital during which additional pain relief, antibiotic, IV fluids and other medications are administered under the direction of your pet’s veterinarian and technical staff.